I had a coaching session today with a mom of a strong-willed five-year-old and she was growing weary of the seemingly constant negative interaction with her son. “He’s sassy. He hits. He doesn’t obey. He runs away from me. He makes farting noises in time out. He climbs under the table at meals. He read more…

The final two tantrum categories are the signature tantrums of the Level Four (Challenging Child) though all kids will dabble in these now and again. Level Four children have a clear sense of justice (predominately favoring themselves) and they know exactly what they want to do and what they don’t want to do 24 hours read more…

All kids have emotional break downs. We spend nine months or even nine years dreaming of butterfly kisses, giggles and hugs but nonetheless, our children will still behave like children. Putting fits into categories is one way to differentiate the unique qualities of a child’s meltdowns and adjust our “battle” strategy accordingly. But it is read more…

Part 1: Tantrums are a reality: Embrace them (The following ramblings on toddler tantrums are based solely on observational and anecdotal data gathered over the last 21 years. No scientific studies support my claims. But still.) I’m always amazed at the number of young moms who talk to me with such surprise, guilt, and angst read more…

Over the years I have come across a few of the blogs from the “Scary Mommy” blogosphere. They are usually real, raw, and humorous. Sure, they often contain superfluous expletives that I could live without, but often I enjoy the interesting content. I sometimes even nod in agreement…but not today. Today I need to push back read more…

Anyone with kids has probably wondered, “Hey who’s really in charge around here anyway?” The answer to this question might surprise you: Sometimes you have the power. But sometimes your child has it. The key is in discerning the difference. Now don’t panic. I am not suggesting that parents defer to their kids. No. You read more…

The Power of the Parent/Child Relationship Our parenting is most effective when we parent through a positive relationship, with authority, 24/7. The foundation of this three part thesis is the positive parent-child relationship. This does not mean “friend.” It means parent. Creating and maintaining a positive relationship with each of your children will read more…

I don’t care if my kids get bad grades. You did read that correctly. I don’t care about what grades my kids get on tests, quizzes, projects, or report cards. But please don’t stop reading before you hear why. And maybe, this school year just maybe you may consider the impact of our culture’s incessant read more…

Wow! What a journey I’ve been on in better understanding the culture in which we all parent! I’m usually a minimal blog reader. I have a couple favorites, but I have never really spent much time leaving comments or getting into discussion groups. UNTIL NOW! (LIKE The Humbled Homemaker on Facebook to better see the name-calling read more…

I think that I have survived this year’s end of school deluge of social media posts about friends’ kids who have: received the Straight A’s Award, the Best All-Around Student Award, the Art Award, or those kids who lettered in track, placed 2nd in the state for wrestling, set the pole vault record, or accepted read more…